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Migration
Rethinking Economic Integration: Mexico and Türkiye

Lessons from Migrant Pathways
2.4 Minutes
Landmarks of Turkiye and Mexico

Iconic landmarks and symbols of Mexico and Turkiye

© FNF Mexico

Why is it relevant?

This paper examines two of the most important migration corridors in the contemporary world: Latin America–United States and Middle East–Europe. Through the cases of Mexico and Türkiye, the study shows how migration reshapes labor markets, public policies, and social dynamics.

Its relevance lies in combining quantitative and qualitative evidence to explain how factors such as migration status, labor informality, financial access, and public perception affect the economic integration of migrants and refugees. It also provides concrete public policy recommendations for governments and international organizations.

Why should someone read it?

  • Because it offers an uncommon comparison between Mexico and Türkiye, two countries that simultaneously function as origin, transit, and destination migration hubs.
  • Because it explains how labor informality can become both a survival mechanism and a structural barrier to integration.
  • Because it helps readers understand the relationship between migration, entrepreneurship, and economic development from a liberal and evidence-based perspective.
  • Because it documents how migration externalization policies from the U.S. and the European Union directly impact receiving countries.
  • Because it includes real testimonies and case studies of migrants in cities such as Tijuana, Tapachula, Mexico City, and Istanbul.
Rethinking Economic Integration: Migrant Pathways in Mexico and Türkiye

Rethinking Economic Integration: Migrant Pathways in Mexico and Türkiye

Mexico and Türkiye have evolved from countries primarily associated with emigration and transit into important destinations for migrants and refugees. This policy paper compares how migrant populations enter the labor markets of both countries, focusing on dependent employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship as pathways to economic integration.

Combining quantitative analysis with interviews and focus-group discussions, the study examines how legal status, gender, education, language proficiency, social networks and regional economic conditions shape migrants’ opportunities. In Mexico, the analysis highlights significant differences between the southern border, the northern border and Mexico City. Migrants living in economically dynamic areas or places with stronger institutional frameworks generally have better prospects for formal employment and business development. In Türkiye, Syrian migrants face additional obstacles related to temporary protection status, mobility restrictions, access to banking and credit, property ownership and uncertainty regarding long-term residence.

The paper argues that self-employment often functions as an immediate survival strategy when migrants cannot access formal work. Entrepreneurship can offer greater possibilities for upward mobility and contribute to local economic development, but it generally requires stronger human capital, financial resources, institutional support and access to markets. Women face particularly pronounced barriers, including limited labor-force participation, childcare responsibilities and restricted access to financing.

The authors conclude that migrants’ economic integration cannot depend exclusively on individual resilience. Governments must create enabling environments that allow migrants to transform their skills and experience into stable livelihoods. Recommendations include improving information for migrants and employers, adapting immigration policy to local labor-market conditions, incorporating migration into national statistical systems, simplifying access to financial services, supporting women-led businesses, lifting unnecessary mobility restrictions, recognizing qualifications and expanding pathways to regular status.

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